The Exploration Company of the United States has developed a modular and reusable spacecraft called Nyx to advance sustainable space exploration. With its methane-based propulsion system, Nyx will fly to stations in Earth orbit, providing technology for advanced research in fields such as microgravity, with applications in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, among others.
A spacecraft’s propulsion system is designed to withstand extreme loads, high heat, and pressure fluctuations without significantly increasing the overall mass of the spacecraft. Traditional turbo engines are heavy and rely on fossil fuels, which poses sustainability challenges and limited range. Methane propulsion systems, on the other hand, emit fewer pollutants, expand mobility, are more agile and easier to navigate, and offer a potential solution to achieving more predictable landings.
Nyx is designed to transport cargo to the Moon or the space station, take free flight around Earth, refuel in orbit, and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere before departing on a future mission. Nyx components are openly available to a variety of aerospace companies to support the transition from gas engines to electric engines.